Ipod

Apple's iPods are a distinct line of portable MP3 players, whose manufacturers aim to provide an option for just about any budget. iPods come in a full range of sizes and prices, starting with the iPod Shuffle, moving on to the Nano, and then up to the full-sized iPods. What each of the iPod models has in common is ease of use and extremely long playback ability. All models come with Apple ear "buds," and either a belt clip or a lanyard, or both, and they all make use of iTunes, a software program and online source of downloadable MP3s.

On the small end of the scale, Apple has recently released its iPod Nano. The Nano comes in either a 2 or 4 GB version, holding either 500 or 1,000 songs respectively. This tiny machine actually boasts a full-color screen despite the fact that it as thin as an average number two pencil and weighs only 1.5 ounces.

For those on a stricter budget, there is the cheaper iPod Shuffle. This extremely tiny music player only weighs .78 ounces, and it can play music for up to 12 hours on one charge. The Shuffle comes in either a 512 MB or a 1 GB version, holding 120 or 240 songs respectively. It connects to your computer via a USB port, and it can charge in as little as four hours.

The granddaddy of the iPod, of course, is the 60 GB version. This massive portable music player can actually store up to 15,000 songs, and its battery stays charged for up to 15 hours. Additionally, the 60 GB iPod can also store and display color photos on its two-inch LCD backlit screen. This unit still weighs in under six ounces, and it only takes five hours to fully charge.